Javier Assad hasn’t pitched for the Chicago Cubs this season because of a left oblique strain. He is nearing a return and will make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Iowa.

Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski already has won matchups with Paul Skenes and Clayton Kershaw and has pitched in the All-Star Game since reaching the major leagues six weeks ago.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell went into Sunday’s series finale at Rate Field hoping to get four innings from Ben Brown. The right-hander, looking to move past a bad outing Monday, produced one of his best starts of the year in the Cubs’ 5-4 win over the White Sox.

Andrew Benintendi described Sunday as “the first day in a while I squared up a few balls.” He hit two home runs in the Chicago White Sox’s loss.

In their search for upgrades to both the rotation and the bullpen, the Chicago Cubs have cast a wide net of interest that includes several potential starters and relievers. Rasiel Iglesias appears to be among those names, as the Cubs do want to add another reliable arm to their late inning options.

The MLB trade deadline arrives on Thursday, July 31, and the Chicago Cubs are ready to give up their top prospect.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/maryland as Former Maryland shortstop Matt Shaw helps Chicago Cubs keep pace in pennant race. The Chicago Cubs are in a tie for first place in the National League Central, and that is in no small part thanks to former Maryland third baseman Matt Shaw.

The Chicago Cubs now have to go back to the drawing board after Seth Lugo just reportedly signed a multi-year extension with the Kansas City Royals.